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The former Hull City manager has made a habit of creating firsts during his time as Villa boss. He secured the claret and blues’ first away win in more than 14 months and first back-to-back wins in almost 18 months.

The away win at Reading was long overdue. Had Villa not halted that wretched run on the road, they would have been on course for the club’s longest ever away winless streak dating back to 1964.

Steve Bruce

Fortunately for the current crop, their run of 24 without success on their travels was three short of the record under Joe Mercer and Dick Taylor.

And a victory over the Brewers would highlight the impressive job Bruce has done even further.

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Villa’s current run of four wins is their best since the days of Martin O’Neill. The Irishman’s side won four home games on the spin at the beginning of the 2007/08 campaign before losing 4-1 to Manchester United.

The Villa Park renaissance is a welcome break from the struggles of previous managers.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert at the game against Bournemouth

From the start of Alex McLeish’s reign to the beginning of Bruce’s, Villa only took 91 points from 94 home league matches.

John Gregory’s team won five consecutive B6 matches in 1998 - but it was split across two seasons.